Injured keeper Courtois to miss Hull game

Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has been ruled out of Saturday’s game against Hull City after picking up a minor injury in training.

It means Petr Cech is set to make his first Premier League appearance of the campaign, while veteran keeper Mark Schwarzer is in line for a place on the bench.

Blues boss Jose Mourinho insisted he has full confidence in Cech, who remains a key squad player despite losing his place to Courtois this season.

Mourinho said: “Courtois had a little problem in training – a muscular problem – and is not available for tomorrow.

“It is a chance for Petr, and a chance for Mark to be on the bench, and I am more than comfortable with it.

“Petr is an important player in the squad and that was the case even when Courtois was in condition to play – he [Cech] played in three Champions League matches and in the Capital One Cup.

“He has absolutely nothing to prove. It is an easy, simple situation for him – just go and play, which he wants to do.

“It’s very comfortable for me, the players and fans to know our goalkeeper tomorrow is Petr Cech.

“It’s no problem. That is why, since the beginning of the season, I have said it is perfect for us to have Petr in the squad.”

And Mourinho again said he believes that Cech, 32, will stay at Stamford Bridge despite speculation he could leave during next month’s transfer window.

A number of clubs, including Arsenal and Liverpool, have been linked with the Czech Republic international.

“I read a couple of weeks ago his agent saying that there was no chance of him leaving in January,” Mourinho said.

“That, plus the fact that I have no information about any offer to him, makes me believe 100% that he staying.

“And I repeat, I am so happy we have this fantastic situation with our goalkeepers.”

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